Blog Post

Reasons for the Restoration of Windows rather than replacement.

  • By Bill Starck
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  • 23 Oct, 2018
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Reason 1: The sash are made for their frames. They are fitted to their openings with the original operating system designed for that opening.

Reason 2: The quality of the construction and the materials have been tested for over 150 years.   If they still exist, then can survive another 150 years.

Reason 3: Retain the integrity of both architectural appropriateness and original materials.   Only an historic window can look like a historic window. Anything else is a reproduction.

Reason 4: Long term cost effectiveness. Replacement windows have components with a limited manufacturing time period and longevity of about 10-25 years.   Consequently, in the repair 100-200 year life of an historic window, a replacement window can be replaced, not restored, about 4 times.   With the cost of today's quality replacements at about $600.00 to purchase, and about $200 to install and paint, a new window can be about $800.00 each time. So, replacing a window over 100 years can be 3-4 times the cost of restoration.  

Reason 5: The compatibility of R-Value, or the heat loss index.   A new, double pane insulated glass replacement window has an R-Value of 3, while a single pane historic window and a good storm window is an R-Value of 2.   Insulated walls have an R-Value of about 15, so the idea of an R-Value 1 window difference in an old building is fairly insignificant. The comparisons of R-Values can be found at Colorado Energy's website. Another heat loss value system is U-Value, or the heat loss from an area of the window. If you count the air lost from the seals and joints, since it is a replacement, again the loss can be the same.

Reason 6: Storm window wear versus new window. A window's exterior can fail from weathering in about 15-20 years. A storm window can wear out in the same amount of time. It can cost about 5 times as much to replace a window than a storm window. Once the seals of a new window fails, it is useless. There is no added protection from the weather. A historic window needs a storm window, but it is still easier and cheaper to replace a storm window, rather than a new window. The storm window saves time, energy and money.

Region 5 Building Sustainable Communities

By National Trust for Historic Preservation • 23 Oct, 2018
This guide was compiled by the National Trust for Historic Preservation with assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency. It was developed with input from several national and state preservation agency partners

Don't Buy Replacement Windows For Your Old House

By Regina Cole • 23 Oct, 2018
If you own a house built before 1960 that has its original windows, be grateful. Nothing will ever look as good. And, contrary to what you may have heard from the building and remodeling industries, new windows will not function better. They will not save you buckets of money in energy costs. They may not even last until you have finished paying for them.

Moisture Condensation at the Windows

By Gwen Cukierski • 23 Oct, 2018
This fact sheet discusses the causes of and remedies for wintertime condensation problems that occur on windows, glass, and other glazing materials in residences. This is the most common example of surface condensation in the house. For a discussion of concealed condensation and other aspects of moisture control in residences, see the fact sheet listed at the end.

When Your Windows Want Attention

By Bill Starck • 23 Oct, 2018
The Forest Service guard station at the Spruces in Big Cottonwood Canyon has stood sturdily for 61 years. But it is due for some repair and restoration. The windows especially need attention: They let in cold air, have suffered some damage to the millwork and, in some cases, do not open. When the Forest Service turned to USHS architect Don Hartley for advice, Don brought in historic windows craftsman Phil Kearns to help discuss solutions.

“OLD” WOOD WINDOW/ REPLACEMENT WINDOW ENERGY ANALYSIS

By Keith Haberern • 09 Nov, 2017
U value of a single pane window (that old wood window): 1.10 U value of a single pane window combined with a storm window: 0.50 U value of an expensive new double pane thermal replacement window: 0.58 (remember that the lower the U value the better. You will note that your old wood window combined with a storm window is about 15% more energy efficient than that new replacement window. Those new windows will cost you, not save you money.)
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